So, I will no longer be allowed to install APKs that aren't from the Play Store? I thought they backed down on that.
not just play store it's worse, if the developer didn't pay to google and give ID to Google, no-one can install that app
Right now the best solution is using custom ROMs
A lot of people reported that they did. I don't know why. Nothing in their statement said that. They did say they were going to add some "advanced workflows" but didn't elaborate anymore than that. It says it right in the link in OP:
Update: Google has not “backed down” from developer verification: Contrary to a vague mention of a possible “advanced flow” that may eventually allow “experienced users to accept the risks of installing software that isn’t verified”, Google’s description of the program continues to state plainly that: "Starting in September 2026, Android will require all apps to be registered by verified developers in order to be installed on certified Android devices". Until such time that they have shown evidence that it will be possible to bypass the verification process without undue friction, we must believe what is stated on their official page: that all apps from non-registered developers will be blocked once their lock-down goes into effect.
Use Custom ROMs with MicroG
Here is active and good custom ROMs
LineageOS (many devices) e/os (many devices) crDroid (many devices) GrapheneOS (only pixel)
I just got my fairphone! It feels so free!
that's just it, they're targeting custom ROMs with this too. the number of security updates for AOSP is being cut by Google in order to make custom ROMs less secure, so that they can then close down the project while claiming it's to protect users. make no mistake, the end goal here is make everyone who uses Android have to do so on their terms.
it's why Linux phones being mainstream is an absolute priority.
the number of security updates for AOSP is being cut by Google in order to make custom ROMs less secure
Please don't spread misinformation. Google didn't cut security updates. You can still get monthly security updates on Custom ROMs.
Also it's just on certified devices
Starting next year, Android will require all apps to be registered by verified developers in order to be installed by users on certified Android devices. source
https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/27068-grapheneos-security-preview-releases
This is probably where they got the 3 month number. It is fuckery and they are making the lives of custom rom developers more difficult than they need to be.
Here is a good information from LineageOS;
Over the last few years, AOSP has been shifting to a quarterly release cadence, meaning that new features and bug fixes are released every three months. link
FuckGoogle
Good news on the GrapheneOS front: Graphene will be available on hardware other than Pixels.
I like my Pixel 6 Pro just fine, but I'm nonetheless thrilled about this.
https://piunikaweb.com/2026/02/02/grapheneos-non-pixel-hardware-announcement/
My girlfriend and I both need new phones from her failing and buggy Samsung A52 and my Xperia 5ii. We are not going Samsung anymore because they are putting unremovable Israeli spyware baked into their devices, fairphone 6 still seems very buggy and we had a friend with a fairphone 4 with 99 problems with it, and I don't want to give google money and we want SD card slots instead of almost no memory to force cloud subscriptions.
2027 is starting to be a big ask though.
good but I don't have couple months
Refurbished Pixels can be cheap nowadays. I got a Pixel 8a for less than 300 euros in great condition.
That's just the announcement. The devices won't be ready till 2027. 😖
So, I guess this means that f-droid can only be installed via Google Play. /s
I'm getting flashbacks to using Internet Explorer to install Firefox.
edit: made sarcasm more obvious.
This is only fuel on the EU open source initiatives.
But I'm pretty sure Google wont get away with locking down EU customers anyway, as this is clearly a breach of the DMA.
They could clam a web app is the "alternative" I guess.
They'll shut that down too. Somehow. For "security" I'm sure, even as the Play Store is infested with scam apps.
Play Store is infested with scam apps
Last time when I checked most of the apps was scam
They mandate 3rd party app stores. I think we are passed that.
Google is just power grapping what they can towards everyone else to make up for lost profit.
this is clearly a breach of the DMA
Is it? I think the DMA should have been written so that it is, but Apple does essentially the same thing and EU regulators don't seem to be claiming that it's a violation.
i was gonna try turning a steam deck into all-in-one device including phone, with portable GSM router of whatever i'd to use it for calls (it does have a mic, right?)
not sure if/how that'll work out
You could feasibly replace the m.2 SSD with one of these bad boys: https://ebay.us/m/JgLTUU
You would have to then boot from SD card, not sure if that's supported. There are also docks with extra m.2 slots.
I'm reading that the steam deck has 8 pcie lanes. Theoretically there are plenty of possibilities for expansion (at a cost to portability and practicality).
This.. is intriguing
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